Cascade AIDS Project: Youth HIV Education Program CHATpdx Introduction Packet Hello! Welcome to CHATpdx!

In this packet you will learn about CHATpdx - who we are, and the approach we take in working with youth 24 and under, and community partners to promote dialogues around healthy sexuality amongst youth. There are many ways to get involved, whether youre a young person, a community member, or service provider. We look forward to hearing from you, and discussing ways in which we may work together!

Cascade AIDS Project CHATpdx 208 SW 5 Ave, Ste 800 Portland, OR 97204 Phone: (503) 278-3872 ** Text: (971) 270-0674 Fax: (503) 223-6437 Connect with us on-line!
Facebook.com/CHATpdx ** twitter.com/CHATpdx ** CHATpdx.tumblr.com youtube.com/CHATpdx ** CHATpdx.org
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Cascade AIDS Project: Youth HIV Education Program CHATpdx CHATpdx is the youth HIV education program at Cascade AIDS Project (CAP). It is funded through the Department of Health and Human Service Office of Minority Health (OMH), and is designed to curb HIV/AIDS transmission among at-risk and racial/ethnic minority youth in Portland, Oregon. It is carried out as a result of a coalition between CAP and the African American AIDS Action Awareness Alliance (A6). Our goal at CHATpdx is to inform and educate a diverse group of young people ages 24 and under throughout the Portland Metro area to feel empowered to engage in healthy sexuality conversations with peers and the larger community.
We believe that healthy sexuality is a community dialogue. To promote dialogue, we work with young people one-onone, in small groups, and larger community settings with partnering agencies to promote culturally relevant, interactive, and developmentally appropriate conversations about healthy sexuality, including topics on: HIV education, gender roles, media messaging, body image, sexual decision making, youth-adult communication, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, (LGBT) identity.

CHATpdx offers multiple outlets for the community to become engaged: Social Media: CHATpdx is on-line at facebook, twitter, tumbler, youtube and wordpress. We offer a safe space for all, and provide current information on local events, resources and more. Its a space for young people to have their voice be heard, regardless of where they live. If you have an event relevant for youth 24 and under, please send us the info and we will gladly share it on our sites and calendar. Visit us at www.facebook.com/CHATpdx or email us at directly at CHATpdx@cascadeaids.org.

CHAT(room): A safe space for young people to get a free rapid HIV test (results in 15 minutes), gather with friends, obtain free Safer Sex supplies, participate in drop-in activities, and engage in fun activities with peers (i.e. Jenga, button making, Jeopardy). We meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 3p-7p @ 209 SW 4th Ave (in Pivot space). Want to host a CHAT(room) at your organization, or host an event in our youth space? Contact us at CHATpdx@cascadeaids.org for more info. Peer Sex(uality) Education: Young people 13-24 years-old train with other peers to learn about Safer Sex, HIV/STD Education, Gender, Media, and more. Participants will use various forms of technology and art to advocate and promote their sexual health messages in their networks, including family members, peers, and faith based organizations. School credit and community service hours can be earned, as well as a monthly stipend. Contact CHATpdx@cascadeaids.org for more info. Community Workshops: We provide community presentations on a variety of health topics, with the primary topic being an HIV 101 where we review the basics and fundamentals of HIV and AIDS. HIV 101 is great for anyone who wants the straightforward facts on HIV in a fun and learning-friendly environment. During the session, participants will learn risk reduction tactics and prevention techniques. Other topics discussed will include HIV testing, infection rates, concepts in sex positivity, gender identity, healthy relationships, condom negotiation and more. Presentations are available in Spanish. Contact CHATpdx@cascadeaids.org for more info.

For specific questions regarding CHATpdx, please contact: Vanessa F. La Torre, MPH Bilingual Youth HIV Education Coordinator at (503) 278-3872 or vlatorre@cascadeaids.org.

CHATpdx Community Workshops CHATpdx is the youth HIV education program at Cascade AIDS Project (CAP). Our goal at CHATpdx is to inform and educate a diverse group of young people ages 24 and under throughout the Portland Metro area to feel empowered to engage in healthy sexuality conversations with peers and the larger community. We believe that healthy sexuality is a community dialogue. To promote dialogue, we work with young people one-on-one, in small groups, and larger community settings with partnering agencies to promote culturally relevant, interactive, and developmentally appropriate conversations about healthy sexuality. CHATpdx provides community presentations in Spanish and English on a variety of health topics, with the primary topic being an introductory HIV 101 workshop. During our HIV 101 we review the basics fundamentals of HIV and AIDS. This workshop is great for anyone who wants the straightforward facts on HIV in a fun learning environment. During the session, participants will learn risk reduction tactics and prevention techniques. Other topics discussed will include HIV testing, infection rates, concepts in sex positivity, gender identity, healthy relationships, condom negotiation and more. In addition, the HIV 101 includes definitions, statistics, research, and information on the role of the healthcare providers and other resources for treatment and prevention. Our HIV 101 curriculum is designed to meet the goals of: Reducing the number of new STD/HIV among Agents and in their communities Increased use of condoms Clear message against Stigma and the negative health consequences stigma enables Delay onset of new sexual partners Increase screening and treatment of STD/HIV; self vs. peer motivation Greater parent child communication More positive attitudes toward condoms and HIV/STD Screening More perceived benefits and/or fewer cots and barriers to condom use Greater self-efficacy to use condoms and HIV/STD Screening Greater motivation to use condoms and HIV/STD Screening Greater self-efficacy to demand condoms use In addition to our HIV 101 workshops, we offer workshops tailored to community needs that include topics such as reproductive health, gender roles, media messaging, sexual decision making, youth-adult communication, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) identity. Examples of Healthy Sexuality workshop goals and objectives are included on the next page. If you are interested in learning more, or scheduling a workshop, please contact: Vanessa F. La Torre, MPH Bilingual Youth HIV Education Coordinator vlatorre@cascadeaids.org. Phone: (503) 278-3872 Fax: (503) 223-6437

CHATpdx Healthy Sexuality Workshops Topic: Anatomy Objective: To provide a foundational understanding of the male and female reproductive anatomy proper terminology & slang, function of the system, bodily changes (puberty), caring for ones body and problems to look out for (i.e., testicular cancer how to screen; and breast cancer how to screen) Goal: Participants will be able to convey accurate information about male and female reproductive anatomy, recognize the effect of puberty (i.e., hormone changes) on the body, understand how to care for their bodies, conduct reproductive health screenings, and refer to one or two additional sources of information.

Topic: Sexually Transmitted Infections (Bacterial & Viral) Objective: To provide foundational, science-based information on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) the terminology, the differences between bacterial and viral STIs, routes of transmission, prevention methods & risk reduction strategies, treatment, and community resources. Goal: Participants will be able to convey accurate information about STIs to their peers, understand the relevance of STIs in todays society, refer to one or two additional sources of information, and understand the role of stigma within the context of STIs. Topic: HIV 101 Objective: To provide foundational, science-based information on HIV the terminology, how the virus works, how its transmitted, prevention methods & risk reduction strategies, treatment, and community resources. Goal: Participants will be able to convey accurate information about HIV to their peers, understand the relevance of HIV/AIDS in todays society, refer to one or two additional sources of information, and understand the role of stigma within the context of HIV. Topic: Safer Sex Objective: To provide science-based information on safer sex, and protective barriers (i.e., abstinence, condoms) explore the variety of protective barriers, proper use and application of protective barriers, examine attitudes and beliefs around safer sex practices, practice assertive communication skills reflecting personal values of safer sex practices, and community resources. Goal: Participants will be able to convey proper use protective barriers to their peers, learn use assertive communication skills to advocate for their personal values around safer sex, refer to one or two additional sources of information, and understand the role of stigma within the context of protective barriers.

CHATpdx Peer Sex(uality) Education: Sexperts

Peer Sex(uality) Educators, also known as Sexperts are young people 13-24 years of age who are interested in learning about Healthy Sexuality what is sexuality, how we experience it, and how to navigate those conversations. Sexperts meet weekly for five months with other peers to learn about safer sex, HIV Education, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gender roles, media messaging, sexual decision making, youth-adult communication, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) identity. In these five months, participants will learn how to use new skills and resources to advocate and promote their sexual health messages in their networks, including family members, peers, and faith based organizations. Workshops, presentations, outreach and social media are some of the techniques used to educate, inform, and advocate on behalf of CHATpdx, the Youth HIV Education Program at CAP. Workshops- workshops are designed to provide information about HIV/AIDS, as well as for participants to develop the skills needed to reduce their risk. CHATpdx peer educators are trained to facilitate discussions, activities, and games in order to reach this goal. Presentations- Peer Educators are often asked to give presentations to adults and other youth about their involvement with CAP, HIV/AIDS information and knowledge, and to share their youth experience with others. Outreach- Where do your friends hang out? What do they do? How can we reach other youth that arent receiving this important information? This is what outreach is all about. Educational Videos and Internet Outreach-There are lots of ways to educate young people about healthy sexuality. CHATpdx peer educators make educational videos and engage in social networking on the internet to spread messages around Health Sexuality, including safer sex and HIV/STI prevention messages.

This whole experience is designed to be about youth and led by youth. We will be learning from one anothers experiences and use a cultural lens to explore and interpret sexuality in ways that are personally meaningful to you, and that you can apply in your daily life. As a Sexpert, young people will: Become a resource for your friends, families, and communities on topics like understanding risks around HIV and STIs to learning how to communicate and have healthy relationships. Present in schools, at conferences, and events like the Oregon Queer Youth Summit and the Oregon Adolescent Sexuality Conference. Design and run amazing outreach projects in our communities. Have huge amounts of fun, make incredible friendships AND Be eligible to earn service hours, school credit, and a monthly stipend! CHATpdx strives to create an empowered, active, and informed community. We aim to provide comprehensive information to end stigma surrounding HIV and Sexuality with a special focus on sexual and ethnic minority youth.

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CHATpdx Peer Sex(uality) Education: Sexperts (Continued)

Major Responsibilities: (Some or all of these may apply) Training Over 50 hours of HIV/AIDS information and related topics Facilitation Workshops, presentations, outreach, and other creative ideas. Meetings Weekly meetings to continue training and plan for the month ahead. Retreat Retreat designed to provide an educational and group foundation for the term. Qualifications Required: We are looking for volunteers with diverse social, sexual orientation, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. All teens interested in volunteering with CHATpdx will be interviewed. The age range is 13-24 yrs old, and youth must be able to attend the training, and monthly meetings, as well as receive parent permission if under 18 yrs old. Apply to be a Sexpert by completing the enclosed application and submit it today! Please submit completed applications to: Attention: CHATpdx Mail/Deliver to: 208 SW 5 Ave, Ste 800, Portland, OR 97204 Email: CHATpdx@cascadeaids.org Fax: (503) 223-6437
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Have questions? Contact CHATpdx @ Voice/Text: (971) 270-0674 Email: CHATpdx@cascadeaids.org